Modafirma introduces British Fashion Designer Lee Miller to our exclusive fashion platform

Fashion Designer "Lee Miller"

Lee Miller Credit Image Peter von Remky

Q. Give us a little insight into your creative background.

I did not follow the conventional route like most designers but studied pattern cutting for shoes at Cordwainers , my mum worked for Rayne shoe maker’s and was also a  sample worker so I grew up with her making clothes around the house and remember choosing flare trouser patterns from the catalogues in John Lewis as a kid  , I then worked in PR in New York during the mid to late 90s on shows for designers like Diesel, Label by Laura Whitcomb as well as the famous synagogue show for Alexander Mc Queen, and ended up doing a very brief stint as a Fashion Assistant under Glenda Bailey at Marie Claire USA then relocated to Europe and worked for my partner designer Christian Blanken on his mainline until I stepped out alone.

Q. What/who was your influence when you started your own label?

I have always been a big fan of Bottega Veneta especially the early pieces and I adore The Row, but the influence usually originates through film; my collection is Dr Robert by Lee Miller which came from the Dr Robert scene in Ciao Manhattan the biopic on Edie Sedgewick, there’s a scene I love where they visit Dr Robert for Vitamin B injections wrapped in bath towels. I love the eccentrics like Edie Beale from Grey Gardens, but I would say I find the personal style of a lot of the transgender or drag community stars to be quite inspiring artists like Teri Toye, Candy Darling, NYC Club Host Kenny Kenny they can think up looks like no other.

Q. What have been your key inspirations for your design and concepts?

Autumn Winter Collection

Lee Miller AW141 Collection

I like the concept of multi-use paraphernalia pouches and having lots of bags of different sizes and shapes that fit and change to the mood of the day , a zip pouch that can carry a bikini, lipstick and credit cards will get you on your way. The opening scene of Marnie by Alfred Hitchcock is a big inspiration and especially the hotel scene where Marnie changes identity from her trunk.

Q. What is the essence of your label?

I am a bit Nomadic and love to travel so there is a city to beach travel feel in everything I design, Ultra-Modern and Gender Free is a phrase I have had thrown my way as I don’t classify accessories as male or female, I design pieces that are not necessarily conventional accessories but are lifestyle orientated, I started out making small envelope clutches and leather pouches in various sizes and it grew from there.

Q. Why does your fashion label stand out in this competitive industry?

I would say I stand out because I am not competing so am there purely for the consumer who likes my aesthetic and understands it and am quite happy in that area of the industry without all the bright lights and fanfare at the moment, I look at some brands that are just spinning products of every kind on any day and I think their original ethos or concept evaporates once they enter that carousel.

Gold Leather Pouch

Montage by Lee Miller

Q. Are there enough opportunities for emerging designers to showcase their designs and enter this competitive industry?

I think there are lots of opportunities in fashion; whichever path you choose there’s a competition or fund for you, as an emerging talent at whatever start up level you are there’s a good entrance out there.

Q. Is the fashion industry campaigning enough for boutique labels and recognizing emerging talent?

Yes I think so, there are lots of boutique labels that do off season events and collaborate with artists and gallery spaces outside of fashion week, but relying or waiting on the industry to campaign for you isn’t going to kick start your label,  I find that if your product is good buyers will find you , there is also great support out there from small independents like independent boutique in the UK, I am also stocked in some chic hair salons in the US , that have boutiques in salon,  like As-He-Style in Denver , Colorado and Blake Bird in Boise, Idaho who have supported me from the beginning and are encouraging.

Q. Who is your ideal customer?

The actress Charlotte Rampling.

Q. Have you any plans to collaborate with other labels or brands?

I want to branch out into jewelry and work with a brand on diamond bags and pouches, I have an idea for bespoke security safes with custom fitted interiors and trays as the current ones on the market are ugly.

Currently I am working with UK music duo The Home Office and we are piecing together a film short documentary on the late Vikki de Lambray who was a convicted art thief / socialite in London in the 70s and 80s and I have used some of my collection in reconstruction scenes so that’s going to be fun when it’s finished.

Q. You are a London based designer, how much influence has this city had on your creations?

I was born and raised in London so it has a special place in my DNA and influence’s everything I do, I love walking along the river and around the City of London, Mansion House area, London is a hard and arduous city so that always comes through in my design.

Q. What has been your most memorable success to date?

The first time I received a payment on an order it gave me a successful sigh.

Q. What has been the most challenging stage when bringing your fashion label into the industry?

The most challenging is dealing with factory’s and suppliers it’s the flat side of fashion, trying to keep the brand made in England as opposed to going overseas is trying sometimes, I wish fashion critics and editors would do internships in factory’s and see the flat dull side of the industry, I would love to see a blogger or someone like Anna Wintour or Suzy Menkes at a cut and sew table all day.

Q. What is your fashion label’s signature style?

Ultra-Modern is my signature style, I make basic pouches and sack bags often in exotic skins like Python or Crocodile so they have a luxe feel and can be used to store anything from make up to medication.

Cosmetic Pouch

Soft Sided Cosmetic Pouches by Lee Miller

Q. How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is ‘relax luxe’ as I like to be able to go from the office to dinner.

Q. Modafirma celebrates and welcomes new fashion and emerging talent; tell us why you decided to join our exclusive social fashion platform?

I am a big fan of social platforms as they give you exposure across the globe and are an enormous PR push, I like the interactive profile aspect you get with Moda Firma that allows you to update your section with news and review my collection as it evolves.

Q. What is your hope for the future of the label?

I am hoping to open a Lee Miller Apothecary style themed boutique that sells everything you need to go inside the handbag and I am looking at launching a small unisex jewelry collection for 2015.

 

Modafirma Team

Dr Robert Accessories by Lee Miller stockists can be found at : http://www.leemillerlimited.com/

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